Forecaster Observation - Canyon Creek, Whitefish Range

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - Canyon Creek, Whitefish Range
Region: 
Whitefish Range - Southern (south of Coal Creek)
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 01/15/2017 - 16:00
Location Map: 

Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

FAC taught an avalanche class in the Canyon Creek area of the southern Whitefish Range. 

  • Cold temperatures and high humidity observed at low elevations throughout the day.
  • Much warmer temperatures at mid and upper elevations throughout the day.
  • Surface hoar development observed at all elevations and aspects.
  • Loose snow slides observed in steep south facing upper elevation avalanche paths in the late afternoon. These initiated due to solar radiation around rocky outcrops. We did not note any locations where these slides had stepped down to a deeper layer.
Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light (Twigs in motion)
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: 
Activity: 
Snowmobiling